ORLANDO, Fla. — Steve Francis clinched his long-awaited first career World of Outlaws Late Model points title last month.
On Thursday night, the star driver picked up the huge check for his hard work during the 2007 season.
Francis, 40, of Ashland, Ky., received the $100,000 championship prize from series officials during the tour’s Night of Champions Awards Banquet at the International Plaza Resort & Spa.
The six-figure payoff culminated an impeccable campaign for Francis, who finally broke through to claim the WoO LMS points crown after heartbreaking runner-up finishes in 2004 and 2005.
“At least I don’t have to watch that video anymore of Volusia County a couple years ago,” quipped Francis, who lost the ’05 title to Billy Moyer after being passed for position by Moyer on the last lap of the season finale at Florida’s Volusia Speedway Park. “I’ve seen that (footage) too many times, so I’ve always wanted to win this championship to kinda put that deal behind us.”
Francis was presented the lion’s share of the over $400,000 in cash that was passed out during the banquet by the World Racing Group, which has operated the WoO LMS since 2004.
Chub Frank, 45, congratulated Francis when he took to the stage to accept his $60,000 check for a career-high points finish of second.
Clint Smith received $40,000 for finishing third. Shane Clanton picked up $35,000 for fourth and Rick Eckert $30,000 for fifth.Rounding out the top 10 were Josh Richards ($25,000), Darrell Lanigan ($24,000), Tim Fuller ($23,000), Brian Shirley ($22,000) and Shannon Babb ($21,000).
Fuller, 40, received an additional $10,000 and a new ButlerBuilt racing seat for winning the 2007 WoO LMS Rookie of the Year Award.
The WoO LMS Crew Chief of the Year Award went to Brad Baum, who turns the wrenches for Frank. Baum received the coveted mechanic’s honor by a vote of the tour’s crew chiefs and WoO LMS officials.
Babb, who ran a majority of the WoO LMS for the first time in 2007, earned a $1,000 bonus for winning the most National Interstate Insurance Fast Time Awards.
Custom Race Engines in Knoxville, Tenn., was announced as the winner of the 2007 Engine Builders’ Challenge.
Rocket Chassis of Shinnston, W.Va., out-pointed Rayburn Chassis and GRT Chassis to win the 2007 WoO LMS Chassis Builders’ Challenge.
Roger Slack and Matt Long of The Dirt Track @ Lowe’s Motor Speedway in Concord, N.C., were honored as the 2007 WoO LMS Promoters of the Year.